Working With Woodcuts: An Introduction

Woodcuts are historically one of the original relief print making mediums. Once used primarily as a means of providing integral illustrations alongside typeface in printed books, the woodcut evolved into a legitimate medium of creative art expression from its roots in Asia and Europe over many centuries and spread to many cultures.  

Charley Norris will share his approach and enthusiasm for creating woodblock prints with traditional tools and materials in the Concord Art Print Studio. He has been exploring the art of the woodcut print for the past fourteen years, incorporating earlier experience as a watercolor painter, photographer and architect.  

This workshop will provide a hands-on introduction to the basic techniques and steps in woodblock printmaking. After a brief description of typical blocks and prints, the group will be introduced to the types of tools and materials used for making a woodcut print. Two carving exercises will be applied to the Shina wood blocks provided for the workshop. The first side of the block will be used to experiment with handling the various tools provided and to create a range of lines and textures. The flip side will be used for the preparation of a carved image for a print. Participants are encouraged to bring digital copies of images for making a print, but other examples of graphic designs will also be available. Finally, the prepared blocks will be printed on the press to reveal the magic of the woodcut process.

Once members have completed this class, you will be eligible to rent Concord Art’s Print Studio for $10/hour.

Please note the class registration fee covers the cost of materials that will be provided to students.